How to play glissandos on the piano

Step-by-step instructions to master a very important playing technique

In this video, Robert gives you a step-by-step approach to study and master the technique of the 'glissando' without too much hassle and effort.

Released on October 2, 2013

DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Michael Cohen * VSM MEMBER * on December 22, 2021 @6:30 pm PST

Thank you for the tips on how not to hurt our tips - And here’s the video with Chico Marx doing glissandos. https://youtu.be/jkCiRSDPIzk

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Ken Cory * VSM MEMBER * on December 22, 2021 @3:45 pm PST

The great jazz pianist Robi Botos plays a kind of double glissando where the thumb plays the gliss on the white keys, while the edge of the index finger plays the gliss on the fronts of the black keys. I only ever saw Robi do this in the downward direction.

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Robert - host, on December 23, 2021 @10:17 am PST

That sounds painful! I would love to see that in action.

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chelsi on November 14, 2013 @5:11 am PST

how do we perform a glissando if we're doing it from a higher register to a lower register?

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Robert Estrin - host, on November 14, 2013 @11:27 am PST

You can use your fingers or your thumb depending upon context. If you look closely in the video this is mentioned.

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